The latest benefit claim statistics have revealed an increase in those claiming in Kent for the 15th month in a row.

Figures released today show 31,090 people in Kent signed on in October, a rise of 970 from September's official figures.

Swale saw the biggest rise last month, with 115 more people signing on for Universal Credit or Job Seekers Allowance.

In total in the Swale area, 3,150 people are claiming either the Universal Credit or Job Seekers Allowance benefits.

Ashford followed closely behind with 110 more people signing on for the benefits in October, in total 2,065 people in the area are on one of the two benefits.

Medway and Canterbury followed closely behind as figures revealed in both areas 105 more people claimed the benefits.

In Medway 5, 430 people were claiming last month and in Canterbury, that figure for October was 2,330.

However, there was good news for job seekers in Gravesham as the number people claiming the benefits fell from 2,180 to 2,170.

The only borough in Kent to have less than 1,000 people claiming one of the two benefits is Sevenoaks, which has 945 people signing on.

In September Tunbridge Wells had fewer than 1,000 people claiming the benefits, but in October 65 more people claimed the benefits, which means 1,040 in the borough are claiming.

Medway still has the highest number of people on the benefits, with 5,430 registered as claiming.

This is closely followed by Thanet which has 4,400 people claiming the benefits.

Maidstone had the lowest rise with 45 more people claiming in October than September.

In September, revised figures show 30,120 people in the county signed on in September, a rise of 690 from July's official figures.

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